RED KAP INDUSTRIES Technical Information Bulletin RK-61

VINEX® FR-9B® Flame Retardant Garments Recommendations for care and maintenance

VINEX® FR-9B® fabrics are inherently flame-resistant fabrics particularly well suited for protective clothing for the aluminum industry because of their ability to shed molten aluminum splash. The polyvinyl alcohol polymer fiber is treated during the fiber forming process to make it flame resistant. The flame resistance thus is an inherent part of the PVA fiber component and cannot be removed by washing. It is then blended with polynosic fiber to produce a fabric hat is 85% PVA and 15% polynosic.

VINEX® FR-9B® fabrics are highly resistant to a wide variety of most common acids, bases, and organic solvents (with the exception of concentrated nitric acid), with no observed loss of strength in the fabric. These garments do not offer personal protection from chemicals. Vinex® is not thermo-plastic in nature, and does not melt.

These garments primarily serve a protective function with overall appearance resulting from fabric performance characteristics. Water washing leaves the fabric fuzzy, accelerates color loss, and increases softness of hand. Dry cleaning offers the best combination of color retention and fabric body.

Tunnel finishing will result in noticeable hanger impressions and is not recommended. Pressing will result in noticeable shine to the fabric surface and slight color change. For optimal appearance, hang garments immediately from the dryer after proper cool down. The best way to determine performance in your operation is by processing a sample garment.

The information in this bulletin is based on the results of testing in our laboratory and information from the fabric vendor. It is provided for your knowledge and guidance. While it represents up-to-date knowledge regarding care and maintenance of the VINEX® garment, no warranty is expressed or implied.

Drying and finishing temperatures are critical to shrinkage performance. The use of chlorine bleach will result in discoloration of the shade. One of the following processing recommendations should be used to maximize performance and wear life:

Industrial Laundry

• Launder using standard detergents with water temperature not exceeding 140°F.
• For conditioning, do not exceed stack temperatures of 165°F and fabric temperatures of 260-270°F.
• If the garment is pressed, fabric temperature should not exceed 260-270°F to avoid thermal shrinkage. It is important that the garment be completely dried before pressing. Do not use steam in pressing.
• Allow for 3-5% shrinkage in sleeves and backlength on shirts and inseams on pants.

• Wash in hot water at up to 140°F.
• Tumble dry on the "permanent press" dryer cycle. Remove immediately from the dryer when dry, and hang.
• If the garment is pressed, iron only completely dry fabric at up to the "blend" setting. Do not use steam when ironing!
• Wash once before wearing allowing for 3% shrinkage, or approximately 1" in inseam dimensions on pants and in sleeve and backlength on shirts.

• Dry cleaning solvents can be used in commercial dry cleaning, and no special precautions are required.
• Rewetting agents may be used to improve garment comfort.
• Shrinkage in dry cleaned garments will be significantly less than laundered garments.